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Oak Trust Credit Union Athlete of the Week: Rory Manion

By DAN SANTAROMITA - dsantaromita@shawmedia.com

Nov. 22, 2013

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IC Catholic girls volleyball senior outside hitter Rory Manion.

IC Catholic senior outside hitter Rory Manion was one of three seniors to lead the Knights to a Class 2A state title in girls volleyball last weekend. Manion had a match-high 16 kills in the semifinal win over Deer Creek-Mackinaw and added 10 more in the final against previously undefeated Albion County. Manion, the Oak Trust Credit Union Athlete of the Week, spoke with sports reporter Dan Santaromita about winning state and the unusual trip home the Knights experienced.

What was the atmosphere like within the team when you got to Normal?

When we first got down there it was more business-like.

Playing unfamiliar teams, how were you able to prepare for your two opponents at state?

For Deer Creek-Mackinaw we had an idea of what they would be like, but we just focused on our own play.

Was there a turning point during the season when you realized you could win state?

When we were in summer league we played some big teams in the Chicagoland area and we thought we could compete with anyone.

On the ride home Sunday afternoon you ran into some unexpected drama, what was that like?

It was an interesting time. We saw a tornado form and chase us. It was a little scary.

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